[hr][center][h2][b]N i k k i[/b][/h2][color=808B96]the Fall, marshland[/color][/center]
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"Thought I might have to," she agreed readily.  "Not all that many can handle a jump like that.  I'm better 'n most."  Nikki spoke with obvious pride.  "But if I had, I wouldn't knock you out for it.  Why should I?  And it'd be rather rude to dump you in the mud while you were out, yeah?  Not sporting at all!"  She wiped the worst of the dark gunk from her hands onto her pants, making another face.  "Might be a bit much even for me, really.  Look at this mess!"  At least everything in her bag was all but certain to be fine, though she didn't dare open it to check.  She'd just get goop inside, and once wet got in all bets were off.

Xell was making a fuss, but his final comment brought her head up to blink at him.  Swamp?  Maggot tentacles?  She couldn't help it.  She cracked up.  Of course it was a little dangerous -- or what would be the point?